Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 280 - 278: Relying on Looks to Make a Living? Yang Chuannan Goes to Court!

Chapter 280: Chapter 278: Relying on Looks to Make a Living? Yang Chuannan Goes to Court!

Hearing that Zhang Wei had evidence, Cheng Lisha was only slightly surprised for a moment.

But she knew that Zhang Wei was mostly putting on an act, something she was confident about.

Because all dealings with Leopard Old Three were handled by professionals.

There was an intermediary involved, which means there was a middleman, so it would all be impossible to trace back to her.

That’s why Cheng Lisha was so confident and unbothered.

"You can’t prove that it was me!"

"Indeed, but I can prove that Leopard Old Three was secretly following someone’s instructions to go after Chief Editor Pei, and by process of elimination, it’s known that Chief Editor Pei cannot be a character witness, and who stands to benefit in the end!"

"Objection, the defense attorney is speculating!"

Hearing Zhang Wei’s conjecture, Xiao Baihe naturally exercised her prosecutorial rights to their fullest.

"Lawyer Zhang, although you may pose leading questions, daydreaming in court seems a bit inappropriate, doesn’t it?"

Old Wang also showed displeasure, his gaze warning Zhang Wei.

Although you’re facing a hostile witness and free to ask leading questions, questioning is one thing, but you making guesses here is quite another.

It’s all thanks to Xiao Baihe keeping a close watch, otherwise you might really have got away with it.

"Sorry, Judge Wang, I take back my speculative words. After all, it was just my continuous guessing, even though I have Leopard Old Three’s testimony, but the word of a gang member obviously can’t be trusted, can it!"

Although Zhang Wei apologized, he made his last remark to the jury.

"Ms. Cheng Lisha, did you or did you not secretly instruct gang members to assault my initially chosen character witness?"

"Hmph, of course not!"

"And you didn’t hire cyber trolls to amplify the incident of their conflict?"

"No, no, why are you asking these things? I am a person of status, how could I possibly collude with such riffraff!" Cheng Lisha expressed, her brow furrowed in annoyance at Zhang Wei’s persistent badgering.

On the prosecution’s side, Xiao Baihe almost stood up again.

But she knew these were leading questions, an approach that was appropriate against a hostile witness.

"Damn Zhang Wei, and that Cheng Lisha, too stupid. If only they’d cooperated a little, none of this would have happened!"

Xiao Baihe frowned, feeling somewhat melancholic.

She just hoped that this round of questioning would end quickly to avoid more complications.

For some reason, she felt that the wind in the courtroom was still in favor of the prosecution, yet she had an unsettling feeling.

Zhang Wei seemed more confident today than during the prosecution’s opening statement.

It was this trace of confidence that put pressure on Xiao Baihe.

"I hope, you’re just pretending..."

Xiao Baihe looked at Zhang Wei, her heart stirring with emotion.

But Zhang Wei in the courtroom didn’t care about what Xiao Baihe thought.

"Low-life, eh? Alright, I understand!" said Zhang Wei, appearing to "accept" Cheng Lisha’s answer without pushing for the truth.

Even though he could have used contradictory evidence or even "invited" Leopard Old Three to testify, none of that was necessary.

Because his trump card was enough!

"Ms. Cheng Lisha, rumors about you have been flying lately. There’s even news that you would stoop to any level to climb the ranks, even secretly collaborating with ..."

"What are you talking about? That’s just a bunch of people envious of me, spreading smears about me!" Cheng Lisha said coldly, in disdain: "If I find out who’s behind this, I will make them pay!"

"And those other petty people spreading rumors, don’t think I can’t find you just because you used burner accounts."

"If I find you, you’ll die too. What Cheng Lisha says, she does!"

Cheng Lisha said, her gaze even sweeping over the spectator seats.

A few media reporters felt a chill up their spine as their proverbial anuses tightened upon hearing her words.

Obviously, they too had dipped their toes in the storm of smearing Cheng Lisha under anonymous accounts.

"Once we get back, delete all those posts, and undo all the likes. We can’t give this woman any leverage!"

"This woman is unreasonable. Everyone who has crossed her, no matter who, she will take revenge!"

"If Chief Editor Pei from Dongfang Capital Entertainment Tabloid really serves as a character witness for the defendant, then what the defense attorney is alleging might well be true!"

These media people actually understood the situation quite well.

They had a vague idea of whether Cheng Lisha had done it or not.

Unfortunately, there were no insiders among the jury, who were not privy to such matters.

"Ms. Cheng, I shouldn’t be asking this, and I know that everyone was born and raised naturally, but with so many rumors out there, I can’t help but ask. I won’t quibble over your name, but is your face real or not?"

At these words, a flash of anger passed through Cheng Lisha’s eyes.

Good job, Zhang Wei, you dare raise this matter in court, you’re dead meat!

"Objection!"

Finally, Xiao Baihe couldn’t sit still any longer.

"Your Honor, please control the defense lawyer. This is a sacred courtroom, and he really doesn’t hold back, daring to ask anything!"

Xiao Baihe glared at Zhang Wei, her eyes brimming with fury, the pupils that were once bright, now seemed especially enlarged.

Just as Old Wang was about to interrogate Zhang Wei, he didn’t expect the latter to be quicker.

"Your Honor, my reason for asking is actually quite justified, and as for Ms. Cheng, I believe there is nothing inappropriate about this question!"

"What, you still think you’re in the right?"

Old Wang was also flabbergasted.

Are you really saying this, you ask others if their face is real, this is not leading the witness, this is exposing someone’s secrets.

"Lawyer Zhang, please pay attention, this court does not allow such incidents!"

"Your Honor, may I have a reason for this explanation!"

"Speak, but if you can’t convince me, I will give you a warning and force your questioning to end!"

Old Wang spoke righteously, his tone carrying a hint of stern warning.

Zhang Wei nodded, then turned to face the spectator gallery, and spoke loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen of the courtroom, I believe you’re also curious as to why I would ask that question?"

In the spectator gallery, numerous people whispered to each other, looking at one another in bewilderment.

Indeed, everyone is puzzled, why would you ask such a question?

"But for Ms. Cheng, this question is actually crucial!"

Zhang Wei pointed straight at the witness stand, pointing at Cheng Lisha.

Crucial?

Everyone was perplexed, what’s the trick here?

"Are you curious why I asked if her face was fake? Actually, the answer is quite simple..."

Zhang Wei paused, noticing everyone’s gaze upon him, and slightly smiled, "Because the witness Ms. Cheng, she makes a living off her face!"

This answer caused everyone in the courtroom to reveal an expression of realization.

That’s right!

How did we not consider this?

Who is Cheng Lisha? She’s the leading figure in Dongfang Capital’s media industry, a famous host.

Her program "Lisa’s Interview" has always topped the ratings for the evening and prime time slots on Dongfang Capital TV Station.

Moreover, Cheng Lisha is the host of the program, appearing throughout the entire broadcast.

The guests on her show come and go, but Cheng Lisha has always been the host.

She is truly someone who appears on TV due to her looks, who makes a living off her face!

Zhang Wei wasn’t wrong, everyone also realized it.

Suddenly, all eyes in the courtroom were on the witness stand.

Cheng Lisha became restless, because this question was equivalent to...

"Objection!"

This time, someone from the front row of the spectator gallery stood up to interrupt.

Hu Yaode, Cheng Lisha’s attorney.

"Judge Wang, although my client, Ms. Cheng, as a witness has the duty to answer questions, the court also needs to protect basic human rights when it comes to personal and private matters. My client has the right to refuse to answer questions that are irrelevant to the case!"

Hu Yaode was firing on all cylinders, questioning Zhang Wei and Old Wang in court.

"This..."

Judge Wang hesitated, but felt that what Hu Yaode said made some sense.

He looked towards Zhang Wei, who just slightly smiled.

"Alright, since Ms. Cheng is uncomfortable answering, let’s pretend I never asked!" He waved his hand dismissively.

But then, he suddenly muttered "loudly," "But I am also curious, if your face is real, why wouldn’t you dare answer? Just a simple denial would be enough, right?"

This murmur was heard loud and clear by those in the front row of the spectator gallery, and by those on the jury bench.

It was hard to say that it wasn’t intentional.

Everyone in the courtroom understood, it actually looked like Cheng Lisha had indeed had cosmetic surgery.

If you hadn’t had it, why not just deny it? If you were a bit tougher, we wouldn’t have doubted you.

But you didn’t dare to answer, even had your lawyer step up to interrupt, clearly you’ve got something to hide!

Wow, to think you, Cheng Lisha, make a living off your face, and turns out it’s all fake!

This trial has certainly opened our eyes to your true colors.

"Your Honor, this..."

Hu Yaode also sensed the unfavorable situation and promptly tried to make his presence felt again.

There was no helping it, after offending his client so badly, if he didn’t make a show of effort now, he might well end up like Jiang Fengzhen.

He, Hu Yaode, certainly did not like being fired by his clients.

No lawyer likes that kind of thing!

Just as Old Wang was about to give a reminder, Zhang Wei once again beat him to the punch.

"Your Honor, we have no further questions for this witness!"

He was seizing the opportunity to bow out, having already achieved his goal.

Time to slip away...

Zhang Wei returned to the defense bench, leaving the stage to Xiao Baihe.

Xiao Baihe stood up and glanced at Cheng Lisha, meeting the latter’s dark and angry expression.

She sighed softly, "Your Honor, the prosecution has no further questions for this witness either!"

According to Xiao Baihe’s wishes, the sooner the trial ended, the better, so she didn’t bother to stir up trouble.

And with Cheng Lisha’s attitude, clearly unable to be truly fair and just, asking more questions would give Zhang Wei easy openings to exploit, so she simply chose not to ask any.

After all, the advantage was still on her side. Despite all the issues Zhang Wei had caused, the impact on the jury wasn’t significant.

Because although some of the jury’s hatred had shifted, Yang Chuanfang remained the prime suspect in their hearts.

As long as this point was clear, then nothing else really mattered.

"If both parties have no further questions, then..."

Seeing that the prosecution also had no intention of questioning, Old Wang nodded towards Cheng Lisha in the witness stand, signaling that she could leave the stand.

Cheng Lisha slowly stood up, but as she looked towards the defense bench, she suddenly spat out with cold sarcasm, "Some people know they’ve done wrong, yet they refuse to repent. People like that would be better off dead!"

Her words were directed at Yang Chuanfang and Zhang Wei on the defense bench, and her intention was clear.

"Witness!" Old Wang glared angrily from the bench.

Nice going, witness. You’re supposed to leave the stand when instructed, not create this scene!

That’s downright contempt of court!

"Ms. Cheng, in response to your statement, I can’t help but offer you a retort!"

Zhang Wei wasn’t going to indulge her, since this woman had fired the first shot, it was only natural that he would "return the favor."

"Some people can’t even face their own past, yet they demand others admit to things they haven’t done. Such unreasonable and hypocritical behavior, telling others what to do, is just like those professional trolls online, completely devoid of moral standards!"

"Who are you calling out?"

"Whoever responds, that’s who I am calling out!"

"You..."

"Enough, both of you be silent!"

Old Wang couldn’t stay passive any longer and immediately shouted, hammering down the gavel.

"Ms. Cheng, I told you to leave the stand, not to speak your mind. Please return to your seat in the audience and keep your mouth shut!"

Old Wang declared with a strike of the gavel, "The court now orders you to remain silent until the end of today’s proceedings. If this court hears another word from you, I’ll have the Court Guard take you to the holding cell for some reflection!"

As he spoke, he also looked towards Zhang Wei, "Lawyer Zhang, you’re an experienced lawyer, and arguing with a witness in court like this..."

"Judge Wang, the witness was the one who started it, I was just arguing my case!"

"Hmph, your idea of arguing your case is to brawl verbally like those quarreling over vegetables in the marketplace?"

"Judge Wang, when those older men and women at the marketplace start scolding, they can scold you to death!"

"You dare to argue with me? Do you believe I’ll hold you in contempt of court?"

"If the judge thinks I am in the wrong, then feel free, I will receive it with an open mind."

"You, this..."

Old Wang felt incredibly frustrated, about to say something more.

But thinking of Zhang Wei’s quick wit, and knowing the young lawyer wasn’t afraid of him, he hesitated.

Forget it, forget it. This kid is about to lose the case anyway; I’ll let it slide this one time.

"Lawyer Zhang, you’re just a hair’s breadth away from earning my ’red card’."

Old Wang issued a direct ’red card’ warning.

But when Zhang Wei heard this, he just smiled inwardly.

A red card that isn’t issued is as good as useless.

Have you ever seen a soccer player afraid to commit a foul for fear of getting a card? They commit the foul first and then worry about the card.

"Defense attorney, do you have any other witnesses?"

After giving the warning and seeing Zhang Wei’s unconcerned response, Old Wang asked again.

"Of course, Your Honor, our side has another witness to summon!"

"Very well, let the witness prepare!"

Old Wang said, looking towards Yang Chuanfang on the defense’s bench, it was finally his turn to testify.

The entire courtroom was looking forward to him taking the stand and telling everyone about the events of that year in person.

"All right!"

Zhang Wei agreed, then announced, "Mr. Yang, please get ready!"

Yang Chuanfang immediately stood up, straightened his collar, and maintained a serious expression as he prepared to approach the bench.

"Ahem, excuse me, Young Master Yang... I wasn’t clear just now — the witness I want to call is not you, but your younger brother, Second Young Master Yang!"

"What?!"

Young Master Yang felt that the serious face he had tried so hard to maintain completely collapsed.

"Ha!?"

Similarly, the faces of the family members of the defense, including Yang Chuannan, also collapsed.

The two brothers, true to their blood, both opened their mouths wide in astonishment.

"Young Master Yang, please take your seat!"

Zhang Wei patted Yang Chuanfang on the shoulder, then walked over to Yang Chuannan, "Second Young Master Yang, this time it’s your turn to testify, not your brother!"

"This..."

After a moment of stupor, Yang Chuannan felt that he indeed had to take the stand.

He believed that it was indeed risky to let his brother testify in his own defense.

As his brother, he should take the stand and recount the details of their shared life from childhood to adulthood.

It seemed that the character witness Lawyer Zhang wanted had to be him after all!

With this thought, Yang Chuannan stopped resisting. He straightened his collar and, trying hard to maintain a serious face, he walked to the stand.

Zhang Wei and Jessica exchanged glances from the family seating area, and a flicker of mirth passed through their eyes.

The real drama was just beginning!

Under the astonished gaze of the entire courtroom, Second Young Master Yang took the stand and sat in the witness chair.

Although the anticipated "culprit" had not taken the stand, neither the prosecution nor Judge Wang could object, as Yang Chuannan was also on the defense’s list of witnesses, making his appearance reasonable.

The only person possibly confused in the courtroom was Yang Chuanfang, who was sitting at the defense’s bench.

Why didn’t Zhang Wei summon him to justify himself, instead calling upon his brother?

Wait a second...

Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed Young Master Yang’s mind.

"Lawyer Zhang, he’s trying to..."

"Mr. Yang, my advice would be not to do anything rash!"

Just as Yang Chuanfang was about to do something, Jessica suddenly leaned behind him and coldly reminded him.

"What are you saying, they are preparing to..."

"Indeed, just as you suspected, Zhang Wei is ready to reveal that incident to everyone, but that’s what he should do!"

"But he promised me..."

"If I recall correctly, your request to Zhang Wei was not to ask about that incident when you are to testify. Are you currently on the stand?"

"This..."

"The person on the stand right now is your brother, not you. He hasn’t broken his verbal agreement with you!"

Jessica said, with a glint of mischief in her blue eyes, "What Lawyer Zhang is doing now is for the best outcome. Please don’t interrupt him!"

"I can’t allow him to tarnish my father’s reputation!" Young Master Yang was about to stand up immediately.

"So, you don’t want Wen Xiaoyun’s name cleared, her death’s true cause to be known, and for her to return to the public’s eye?"

Jessica seemed to have hit upon Yang Chuanfang’s greatest vulnerability, promptly mentioning a name.

Wen Xiaoyun!

That name had a huge impact on Yang Chuanfang, even bringing him to a state of hesitation.

On one side was his father’s reputation, on the other was a past lover.

Yang Chuanfang found himself caught between a rock and a hard place.

After her striking revelation, Jessica’s gaze turned towards Lawyer Zhang in the courtroom.

She knew that Young Master Yang’s resolve was no longer as firm as before.

In other words, no one could prevent you from making the case’s truth known to the public.

The stage was now yours, Lawyer Zhang.

This is as far as I can help you.